2012/13 | Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences Intranet

MODULE TITLE	Programming for Science	CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	ECM1408	MODULE CONVENER	Prof Richard Everson (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	11 weeks	0	0

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	146

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Computers are used in almost all aspects of our daily lives and throughout science. To be able to solve new problems and create new things on computers we have to be able to program them, and this module is designed to introduce you to programming and problem solving with a computer. It introduces you to formulating an algorithm to solve a problem and the skills to write, test and debug a program, particularly programs with scientific applications.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module is an introductory course in computer programming. It will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of computer algorithms and programming with a strong emphasis practical implementation and will teach you to apply analytical and problem-solving skills to the design and implementation of small applications.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1 design an algorithm using sequence, iteration and selection;
2 write, compile, test, and debug a computer program;
3 explain how a program written in a procedural language is translated into a form that allows it to be executed on a computer;
4 systematically test programs developed;
5 document software to accepted standards;
6 demonstrate familiarity with basic numerical and discrete algorithms;
7 use a high-level programming language for basic numerical analysis, simulation and data visualization.
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
8 systematically break down a problem into its components;
9 understand and choose appropriate programming techniques.
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:
10 analyse a problem and synthesize a solution;
11 use technical manuals and books to interpret specifications and technical errors.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Problem solving and programming overview; Python as a language; statements, comments and simple arithmetic operations; variables, scope and data types; control flows, conditionals, loops and iterations; algorithms and pseudo-codes; functions and encapsulation; debugging and testing; strings, lists and mutability; tuples and dictionaries; input and output, files reading and writing; introduction to other programming environments, Matlab; visualisation and algorithms in Matlab.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	42.00	Guided Independent Study	108.00	Placement / Study Abroad	0.00

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities	22	Lectures
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities	20	Workshops/tutorials
Guided Independent Study	66	Individual assessed work
Guided Independent Study	42	Lecture and assessment preparation

ASSESSMENT

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework	70	Written Exams	30	Practical Exams	0

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment	% of Credit	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Written exam – closed book	30	1.5 hours	All	Verbal on request
Coursework – Practical programming assignments	70	42 hours	All	Written

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original Form of Assessment	Form of Re-assessment	ILOs Re-assessed	Time Scale for Re-reassessment
All above	Written exam (70%)	All	Last week August
All above	Coursework (30%)	All	Completed over summer with a deadline of last week of August

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Students failing the module will be required to take both elements of the re-assessment.

RESOURCES

INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Web based and electronic resources:

Python language website: http://www.python.org

Reading list for this module:

Type	Author	Title	Edition	Publisher	Year	ISBN	Search
Set	Downey, Allen	Python for software design: How to think like a computer scientist		Cambridge University Press	2009	978-0521725965	[Library]
Extended	Zelle John	Python Programming: an introduction to computer Science	2nd Edition	Franklin, Beedle & Associates	2010	978-1590282410	[Library]
Extended	Lutz, Mark	Learning Python	4th revised	O'Reilly media	2009	978-0596158064	[Library]
Extended	Summerfield Mark	Programming in Python3	2nd Edition	Addison Wesley	2010	978-0321680563	[Library]

CREDIT VALUE	15	ECTS VALUE	7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES	None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES	None

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)	1 (NQF Level 4)	AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING	No
ORIGIN DATE	Monday 12 March 2012	LAST REVISION DATE	Wednesday 17 October 2012

KEY WORDS SEARCH	None Defined

Computer Science

ECM1408 - Programming for Science (2012)